Via Ferrata Equipment

The Dolomites are a true paradise for via ferrata enthusiasts, offering not only spectacular views but also routes of varying difficulty levels to satisfy both beginners and experienced climbers. However, it’s important to remember that proper via ferrata equipment is essential to ensure safety and comfort during the climb. Discover the gear you’ll need when planning to tackle via ferratas in the Dolomites.

What Via Ferrata Equipment do you need to start your adventure?

The basic Via Ferrata equipment consists of a climbing helmet, a Ferrata harness and a special lanyard with carabiners. Trekking shoes or so-called “approach shoes” would be suitable for this activity. Gloves to protect your hands from the cold and sharp parts of the Ferrata are also recommended.

In this article, we’ll describe the equipment in detail to help you prepare for your next Via Ferrata adventure.

1.Via ferrata helmet

The ideal via ferrata helmet should be comfortable and fit your head well. It is imperative that the outer shell is robust and provides maximum protection.

Nowadays the market has many different models of helmets for Via Ferrata to choose from, varying in design, weight and price. You have complete freedom of choice, but remember that the helmet should be dedicated to climbing and not, for example, cycling. Consider reputable manufacturers such as Black Diamond, Salewa, Petzl, or Camp.

Ventilation is an important consideration – climbing Ferratas in summer means an intense activity where your head may sweat, so choose a helmet with adequate ventilation.
Make sure the chin straps are well-protected so they don’t slip off your head during activity or a fall.

Try on a helmet in front of a mirror before making a decision. Choose one that not only meets the technical requirements but also sits well on your head – this usually means it fits well.

Pay special attention to the carabiners – since you’ll be opening and closing them frequently on the Via Ferrata, they should be quick, easy, and precise to operate. Each climber should choose a lanyard with carabiners that are easy to handle.

Some lanyards include an integrated swivel, which prevents the lanyard from twisting repeatedly as the carabiners are clipped and unclipped. This feature can be particularly beneficial for climbers who find constant twisting frustrating.

The weight of the equipment is also crucial, as even an additional 100 grams can add up during a trip that lasts several hours

Remember that all things ages, also Via Ferrata Equipment, and it has a certain expiry date. Do not use old and unreliable lanyards.

It is important also to use ready-made sets dedicated to Via Ferratas.
To recap, we recommend only tested and certified self-insurance sets that meet UIAA requirements.
We prize Petzl harnesses and Edelrid Cable Comfort VI lanyards – oasis (the one with the swivel) and Petzl Scorpio Eashook the highest.

3.Via ferrata shoes

The market offers many great options, but remember that your shoes need to handle the approach, the climb, and the descent of a Ferrata – sometimes on rocks, other times in mud. That’s why choosing the right footwear is one of the most important steps in preparing for any via Ferrata adventure.

It’s best to go for lightweight approach shoes with a well-designed sole. These types of shoes provide excellent grip on rocks, which is crucial on more challenging sections. Additionally, their smooth surface on the tips enhances step precision, increasing safety, especially when climbing in difficult terrain.

When choosing shoes, it’s essential to pay close attention to the tread of the sole, as it has a significant impact on grip in difficult terrain. A Vibram sole is a reliable choice, performing exceptionally well on both wet rocks and muddy paths

Our absolute favorite is the La Sportiva TX4 – we usually opt for the lightweight, non-Gore-Tex version, perfect for dry and warm conditions. These shoes are not only incredibly comfortable but also perform well on most trails, from easier paths to more demanding routes. For longer mountain adventures, especially in unpredictable weather, we always pack the Gore-Tex model as well. This ensures that our shoes are ready for anything, whether it’s sudden rain or crossing wet terrain. If we expect the route to take us through snow, we also pack gaiters. These lightweight covers effectively protect the legs from snow and mud, keeping the hike comfortable even in tougher conditions. As for the height of the shoes, we usually prefer low-cut models, which are exceptionally comfortable when climbing on rocky walls. They offer greater freedom of movement and are lighter, which makes a difference on long hikes. However, if you’re worried about the risk of twisting an ankle or plan to hike in very uneven terrain, high-cut boots are worth considering, as they provide additional ankle support and stability.

Remember:
Shoes are the most important thing you should invest in.

5.What else should you bring on the via ferrata?

• A lightweight 35-40 litre rucksack with integrated or separate rain cover
• Trekking poles for approaches and descents, which help reduce strain and improve stability
• Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen with SPF 30-50, and a sun cap (useful after removing the helmet or under one).
• A climbing express (quickdraw) with which you clip into the rope of the Ferrata when you want to rest and use it to secure your rucksack when you take it off and rest longer in steep areas where it could fall off
• Petzl Connect Adjust, an easily adjustable lanyard, is a great solution – because by using this lanyard to clip into the Ferrata while resting, you are not limited to the strap length as in the aforementioned express or rep (but never use it during climbing as extra protection!)
• Spare clothing: a jacket, preferably with Gore-Tex, also worth having waterproof trousers to pull on over the climbing ones, so they can be thin, a fleece, in colder weather – warm gloves and a hat
• Food and drink
• Headlamp – useful in tunnels and on long routes when you may find yourself at night.
• Mobile phone with a charged battery and emergency services number
• Phone charging cable (you can charge it at the mountain hut)
• First aid kit with basic medicines and NRC foil.
• on some Via ferratas crampons and an ice axe are essential (check information in our GUIDeBOOKs)

We also strongly recommend carrying an old-fashioned paper map alongside digital tools like apps or PDFs on your phone. Paper maps have saved us in difficult situations more than once, and we’ve even handed them to lost tourists who underestimated how easy it is to lose one’s bearings in the mountains. The best maps are in a 1:25,000 scale, and we highly recommend Tobacco maps, which can be found in almost any store in Italy.

6. What to Pack for an Overnight Stay in a Mountain Hut

If you plan to spend the night in a mountain hut, it’s important to know how to prepare thoroughly.

In addition to your Via Ferrata equipment, check WHAT YOU NEED TO PACK FOR A MOUNTAIN HUT STAY, what items might come in handy, and what you should remember to bring to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.